North America Distribution

Facts About

The cone scales and sharp needles of pitch pine are thick and rigid, making this a distinctive and easy-to-remember species. In New England, it most commonly occurs in sandy barrens and coastal plains; it is the only moderately salt-tolerant pine species in the region. It relies on fire to clear areas of competitors and allow for colonization. This hardy species is extremely resilient to fire and herbivory by deer; it readily sends up new shoots in response to stress. Pine grosbeak, pine warbler, and many other birds find the seeds a welcome mid-winter food. The dense, resinous wood has long been used for ship-building and rough construction.

Habitat

Wetland margins (edges of wetlands), woodlands

Characteristics

Habitat

terrestrial

wetlands

New England state

Connecticut

Maine

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Vermont

Growth form

the plant is a tree

Leaf form

the leaves are needle-like

Leaf cross-section

the needle-like leaves are rounded, or flattened on one side (can be rolled between the fingers)

Leaf arrangement

the needle-like leaves are in clusters or held on short shoots

Seed cone form

the seed cone is longer than wide, with woody scales attached at the base